Abstract
Developing advanced energy storage technologies is critical to meet the growing global demand for higher energy and power densities, particularly in applications like electric vehicles (EVs), portable electronics, and grid-scale energy storage. As the world transitions to renewable energy, enhancing energy storage systems' efficiency, durability, and cost-effectiveness is essential. Two-dimensional (2D) materials have emerged as promising candidates for next-generation battery systems due to their unique structural, chemical, and electronic properties. This project focuses on designing and optimizing SiGe- and SnGe-based methyl hybrid materials to improve the performance of lithium-ion (LIBs) and sodium-ion batteries (SIBs). These materials, functionalized with tailored surface chemistries, exhibit enhanced electrochemical properties, including higher energy capacity, faster electron mobility, and superior mechanical stability. This approach addresses key challenges in existing batteries, such as capacity fading and limited cycle life. To achieve these improvements, the composition of SixGe1-xCH3 and SnxGe1-xCH3 alloys will be systematically varied, and surface chemistries will be modified to explore the relationship between material composition, structural properties, and electrochemical performance. By optimizing these materials at the nanoscale, the project aims to develop efficient and stable anode materials with significant improvements in energy density, rate performance, and cycling stability for both LIBs and SIBs. A range of advanced characterization techniques, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Raman spectroscopy, will be employed to examine the structural and morphological properties of the materials. Additionally, element-sensitive techniques such as X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) also in operando modality, X-ray fluorescence (XRF), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) will be used to monitor real-time and ex-situ structural and chemical changes during electrochemical processes. The electrochemical performance of optimized SiGe and SnGe hybrids will be assessed using cyclic voltammetry (CV), galvanostatic charge/discharge tests, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), providing insights into redox behavior, capacity retention, and charge transfer kinetics. Ultimately, this project aims to offer new insights into the design and application of 2D SiGe- and SnGe-based methyl hybrid materials for LIBs and SIBs. By addressing performance challenges, it will contribute to the development of high-performance, durable, and cost-effective energy storage systems, advancing scientific understanding and technological progress for next-generation batteries
Dettagli del progetto
Responsabile scientifico: Shuangying Wei
Strutture Unibo coinvolte:
Dipartimento di Chimica Industriale "Toso Montanari"
Coordinatore:
ALMA MATER STUDIORUM - Università di Bologna(Italy)
Costo totale di progetto: Euro (EUR) 300.000,00
Contributo totale di progetto: Euro (EUR) 300.000,00
Costo totale Unibo: Euro (EUR) 300.000,00
Contributo totale Unibo: Euro (EUR) 300.000,00
Durata del progetto in mesi: 36
Data di inizio
21/05/2025
Data di fine:
20/05/2028
